State News

5:32 pm

Thu August 15, 2013

Illinois law bans tanning beds for minors

A new Illinois law bans anyone under 18 from using a tanning bed. Previously, minors had to get their parents' permission to use one.

Heather Eagleton works for the advocacy arm of the American Cancer Society. She says research shows exposure to tanning beds before the age of 35 is associated with a 75 percent increased risk of melanoma:

"While sure, yes, we can give the best information and educate people, people just don't make the best decisions. And unfortunately, sometimes parents don’t make the best decisions for their children. And sometimes parents do make the best decisions and children go around them."

Critics say the law's a government overreach and whether their kids tan is a decision that should be left to parents.